When Brenda Vosbein joined the Army in 1970, she was a WAC with the Women’s Army Corps. She overcame her disappointment that women could not serve in combat and became a nurse. In her 29 year career, Brenda experienced--and quickly adapted to--the massive sea change in the military as women’s roles expanded. However, when the military’s "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy regarding gay military service became a legal issue, Brenda volunteered to be one of the plaintiffs. As the only lesbian plaintiff, and the only plaintiff still on active duty, her pseudonym of "Jane Able" was chosen for the title of the suit Able vs. The United States of America.